Before the detail, here's the challenge you'd help us solve.
We build the embodied intelligence that moves real vehicles safely, and the ecosystem a billion machines will run on in the future. Very few people in AI can say this. Every role here, whatever the team, plugs into that.
Here's what this particular role covers.
About our Application Software TeamOur Application Software US team brings Wayve's autonomous driving technology onto customer vehicle platforms, driving localisation and advancing our capabilities for the US market. Working at the intersection of our AI software stack, embedded systems and automotive hardware, the team enables reliable performance across diverse systems-on-chip (SoCs) and operating systems.
We're seeking an exceptional technical leader to build and lead this high-impact team. This is a unique opportunity to shape our AV capabilities in the US from the ground up, hiring and mentoring engineers while leading the bring-up and early validation of our AI software stack on customer hardware.
Your day-to-day- Build and lead an engineering team in the US, hiring and mentoring top talent while providing hands-on technical leadership.
- Lead software bring-up on customer hardware platforms, such as NVIDIA DRIVE and Qualcomm Ride, including porting and configuring Linux, QNX and Adaptive AUTOSAR environments.
- Validate drivers, middleware and boot-time configurations, partnering with OEM and Tier 1 teams to resolve hardware-specific integration issues.
- Collaborate with Verification & Release teams to integrate hardware into CI/CD, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and test infrastructure, automating setup, flashing, health checks and test execution.
What you'll be working onYou'll make Wayve's AI software stack run reliably on customer hardware, from initial platform bring-up through early validation. Your scope includes operating system configuration, board support packages, drivers, middleware and boot-time behaviour, alongside system-level diagnostics, logging and secure boot configuration.
Working closely with customer partners and internal engineering teams, you'll establish repeatable integration and testing workflows that support efficient development across automotive platforms.
You should apply if- You have 8+ years of experience in embedded or automotive software development, ideally with hands-on platform bring-up experience, and strong proficiency in C/C++, Bash and Python.
- You've demonstrated the ability to lead and grow high-performing engineering teams, ideally in geographically distributed or independent settings.
- You bring deep knowledge of embedded Linux, including Yocto, systemd, bootloaders and device trees, plus familiarity with configuring and debugging QNX and Adaptive AUTOSAR on target hardware.
- You have experience bringing up automotive-grade SoCs, such as NVIDIA Orin, Qualcomm SA8295/SA8650, Renesas or TI, and are comfortable with hardware debuggers, flashing tools, serial consoles, BSPs and protocols including CAN, Ethernet, PCIe, SPI and I2C.
- You've integrated embedded platforms into CI/CD pipelines and test automation frameworks, connecting hands-on development with repeatable validation.
It would also be great if you bring:- Exposure to automotive verification environments, including HIL systems, Vector toolchains or custom CI rigs, and tools such as Docker, Jenkins, Git and JFrog Artifactory.
- Experience in safety-critical development, including ISO 26262, boot-time determinism and watchdogs, alongside knowledge of secure boot, over-the-air updates and system-level cybersecurity.
Not ticking every box? That's totally okay! If you're passionate about autonomy and keen to learn, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every requirement.
How we work - Locations & Flexible Working:This is a full-time role based in Detroit, MI, or Sunnyvale, CA, with a hybrid working model.Our main hubs are in London, Sunnyvale, Yokohama, Herzliya, Vancouver and Leonberg. We operate a hybrid working model that combines in-person collaboration in our dedicated office spaces with focused time working remotely. This gives our teams the connection and energy of working together, alongside the flexibility to do their best work in a way that fits their lives.
The Interview Process:Our process is clear and respectful of your time:
- Initial call / recruiter screen 30 min
- Competency Interviews 1 hour
- Deep-dive technical interviews 3 hours
- Final interview: 45 min
We'll always explain the format and work around your availability.
What's in it for you (Location dependant): Salaries benchmarked against the market annually
Meaningful equity, sharing in the ownership and long term success of Wayve
Relocation support and visa sponsorship where applicable
• Hybrid working, core hours and the chance to work hands on in vehicle workshops and labs
Learning and development budgets with support for training, conferences and growth
Comprehensive benefits including health insurance, dental, enhanced maternity and paternity leave, retirement or pension where applicable, access to therapists, wellbeing partnerships, team socials and more
A quick, honest note before you apply.
Wayve is not a mature, fully-structured place with the playbook already written. Much of how we work is still being written, and if you join, you'll help write it. That suits people who want real ownership more than people who need a settled structure from day one.
If that sounds like the kind of problem you want to spend your time on, we'd really like to hear from you.
